Wild Black Cherry - Prunus serotina

Wild black cherry, Prunus serotina, belongs to the rose family. This tall tree is native to North America and has been used extensively by indigenous peoples. The part most utilized is the inner bark. It is traditionally used for cough, cold, and sore throat. It is astringent and expectorant and so may help with phlegm and lung congestion.

The phytocompounds in black cherry bark are anthocyanins, tocopherols, vitamin C, and terpenoids. The anthocyanins are strongly antioxidant. Studies show that the triterpenoids are anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticancer, anti-atherosclerotic and antidiabetic.¹

The bark may help digestive issues by being soothing, balancing, and antispasmodic. It may help to relieve diarrhea. It is mildly sedating, and some people find it helps with arthritis and headache pain.

Suggested dosing: Tincture 2-4 ml 2-3x day. It is best for short-term use.

Possible side effects: Allergy. It can cause a slightly slow heartbeat. Individuals who are taking medications that affect the liver, blood thinners, have diabetes, or are taking sedatives should talk to their doctor and pharmacist.

Contraindications: Liver disease

¹Telichowska, Aleksandra, Joanna Kobus-Cisowska, and Piotr Szulc. 2020. "Phytopharmacological Possibilities of Prunus padus L. and Prunus serotina L. Species and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals" Nutrients 12, no. 7: 1966. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12071966

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. I am not a medical professional and cannot diagnose or treat any medical conditions.